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Blood pressure is a measure of how hard blood pushes against blood vessel walls as it circulates in the body. Each beat of the heart pushes blood throughout the body. A blood pressure measurement shows the pressure created by the heart muscle as it contracts and relaxes. Blood pressure increases when the blood is forced out of the heart into the arteries (systole phase). Pressure decreases when the heart relaxes between beats (diastole phase).
There are two numbers recorded when measuring blood pressure. The top number, or systolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest and is filling with blood. Both the systolic and diastolic pressures are reported as millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). This represents how high the mercury column in the measuring device is raised by the pressure of the blood .
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories. Ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal.
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is a leader in advanced hypertension treatment. Norton Heart & Vascular Institute physicians are at the forefront of cardiovascular care such as the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system — also known as the Symplicity blood pressure procedure. This minimally invasive procedure targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure.
Our physicians are also researchers who lead clinical trials into new and experimental treatments. That means patients can get early access to leading-edge therapies, and once the treatments are approved for broad use, our physicians are already deeply experienced.
Stage 2 hypertension, or advanced hypertension, is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. This level of high blood pressure requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, Stage 2 hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack and serious damage to the kidneys, eyes and brain.
High blood pressure often is called a “silent killer,” because there are usually no symptoms. This is why it is very important to have your health care provider take regular blood pressure readings.
Your health care provider may do some tests on you, such as:
You may be asked to check your blood pressure at home, using a home blood pressure monitor.
Many people with advanced hypertension experience few or no symptoms. However, if you know you have high blood pressure, is important to regularly monitor your blood pressure and look for the development of the following:
Two things determine blood pressure: the amount of blood the heart pumps and how hard it is for the blood to move through the arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure.
For most adults, there’s no known cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension. It tends to develop gradually over many years. Plaque buildup in the arteries, called atherosclerosis, increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Secondary hypertension is caused by a known underlying condition. It tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Conditions and medicines that can lead to secondary hypertension include:
Your treatment plan will be created based on your unique situation. Treatment options include lifestyle changes and medication.
Your health care provider can talk to you about whether medications are right for you, based on factors such as your age and any chronic conditions, such as heart disease or kidney disease. Your doctor will determine your goal blood pressure reading and prescribe one or more medications to lower blood pressure. The include:
Over time, severe hypertension damages the arteries. Fat in the bloodstream can snag on these damaged parts and build up. This makes the artery walls less flexible and limits healthy blood flow.
Constant pressure in the arteries can cause the artery wall to bulge and burst. This is called an aneurysm.
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff. The heart cannot keep up with the body’s demand for fresh, oxygen-rich blood and slowly fails over time.
Brain damage or stroke can occur when the blood supply to the brain is affected. Research has shown there is a link between hypertension and dementia.
Kidneys can be damaged from high blood pressure. The kidneys filter extra salt and fluids from your body, and severe hypertension can damage the many blood vessels of this organ. When the kidneys can’t filter properly, they begin to fail.
Hypertension can damage the delicate blood vessels of the eye, causing bleeding or vision loss.
Sexual dysfunction is a complication of high blood pressure. For men, erectile dysfunction is common as a person ages, but in those with uncontrolled blood pressure, the ability to get and keep an erection is more likely. In women, high blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the vagina, leading to decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness or difficulty reaching orgasm.
Sometimes there is no clear cause of severe hypertension. But there are some ways to reduce your chances of developing this condition, including:
There is no cure for hypertension, but advanced hypertension should be controlled and managed to avoid developing future health issues.
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is the first health care system in the state of Kentucky to use Symplicty Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system — also known as the Symplicity blood pressure procedure to treat advanced hypertension.
If you have not had a checkup with your primary care doctor, make an appointment. Before your appointment, be sure to have a list of any current medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and exercise for at least 30 minutes before your appointment. Be prepared to discuss your exercise habits, your health history and your family health history, your smoking status, and how much alcohol you drink. Be prepared to take notes or record the conversation or take a friend or family member with you.
Norton Heart and Vascular Institute offers advanced care at all of our adult-service hospitals to save hearts and lives.
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute offers patient resources to support you and your family, including free classes for people of all ages who want to improve cardiovascular health or are living with a heart condition.